Fiorentina midfielder Stevan Jovetic is facing up to seven months on the sidelines after damaging ligaments in his right knee.
Jovetic, who has been almost an ever-present since signing from Partizan Belgrade in 2008, suffered the injury in pre-season training yesterday and tests today revealed the extent of the damage.
The talented 20-year-old is now set to undergo surgery and will now miss most of the campaign.
A statement on the club website read: "Fiorentina announce that Stevan Jovetic has suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament and the external collateral ligament of the knee.
"The footballer needs a surgical operation which will be planned in the next few days.
"It is foreseen it will take between six and seven months for his return to complete competitive activity."
The Montenegro international, who suffered the injury in a clash with team-mate Mario Bolatti, should return in February or March.
